The armed forces, which had initially expressed discontentment over quantum of salary hike proposed by the Sixth Pay Commission, reacted positively on Thursday to the Centre's announcement adopting the panel's recommendations.

"All the concerns of the defence forces appear to have been suitably addressed by the government's announcement regarding Sixth Pay Commission," Mehta said reacting to government's announcement.

The government announced on Thursday an average increase of 21 per cent in salaries of over 50 lakh government employees with effect from January 1, 2006, adopting the Sixth Pay Commission recommendations.

In the defence sector, the government approved at least three assured promotions for all defence forces personnel and civilian employees under the modified Assured Career Progression scheme.

The government for the first time approved military service pay for armed forces personnel, under which officers would get Rs 6,000 over and above their pay per month.

The lowest limit of disability pension for defence personnel would be doubled to Rs 3,100 a month.

Arguing that the armed forces deserve a better deal, the Army, Navy and Air Force Chiefs had sought modifications in the Pay Commission proposals including that the military service pay be levelled at 25 per cent of the basic pay for soldiers, personnel below officer rank and middle rung officers.

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